Anyone feeding birds 'fat balls' in garden urgently asked to reconsider
Anyone feeding birds 'fat balls' in garden urgently asked to reconsider
As the Usutu virus spreads, homeowners who feed birds in their gardens are urged to reduce bacteria as much as possible
Fat from the melted suet can get stuck in a bird's feathers
(Image: Getty )
Many people enjoy watching and feeding birds in their back garden. However, as innocent as it may seem, feeding birds in the garden, especially during summer, carries some risks and may do more harm than good if people aren't careful.
In a warning by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), homeowners across the UK are being urged to reconsider putting fat balls, or suet balls, out in their garden during the warmer months. According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to rise over the coming days, with the first yellow heat-health alert of 2025 issued for four regions of the country.
The alert is currently in place for the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East regions of England. Just like people are urged to put certain bird food out during winter to help them survive the cold, homeowners with gardens are urged to be careful about what they put out in hot weather. If you often put fat balls out, then it is time to reconsider.
During the spring and summer months, the RSPB says: "Birds require high-protein foods, especially while they're moulting. Be careful with peanuts, fat and bread during spring and summer. If you want to feed peanuts, only do so in rigid mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces to be removed, since these could be a choking hazard to chicks."
In terms of fat balls, the charity says: "Home-made fat balls can melt in warm summer weather, and should be avoided." It recommends people opt for suet products that are resistant to melting in heat.
People using fat balls in summer are urged to reconsider alternatives to use instead
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While fat balls can be a valuable energy source, they can also pose risks if not managed properly. Fat balls, especially homemade ones, can melt in warm weather, causing grease and potentially harming birds' feathers.
Studies indicate that although some birds benefit from fat-rich foods, others may experience lower breeding success when these foods are easily accessible. Inappropriate foods, including fat balls, can create choking hazards for chicks, especially when nestlings are around.
Fat balls can spoil, particularly in warmer weather, and leftover food can attract pests or other wildlife. It can also quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. At the moment, certain bird species are under threat as the Usutu virus spreads.
Keeping your bird feeders clean is important, as some species face the threat of bacterial infections and viruses
(Image: Getty )
The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is raising alarms among wildlife specialists in the UK, especially regarding blackbirds. This virus was initially identified in the UK in 2020 and has been associated with a decrease in certain blackbird populations. It is classified as notifiable, which indicates that although it is not a specific virus name, it represents a virus of concern, similar to various other diseases affecting animals or humans.
It is advised to limit fat balls in warm months, when they are more prone to melting. You may want to choose quality fat balls made with premium ingredients that can endure outdoor conditions. To cater to a broader array of bird species, it is best to provide a range of food options, such as seeds, nuts, berries, and insects.
What do birds eat?
According to the RSPB, many birds will happily eat a variety of foods. But here are some of the organisation's top tips for feeding birds:
Blackbirds mostly feed on the ground and will eat a broad range of foods, from suet pellets to mealworms.
Blue Tits and Great Tits use a feeder, eating seeds as well as suet and peanuts.
Finches, including Chaffinches and Greenfinches, also use a feeder, and they love sunflower hearts.
If you're keen to attract Goldfinches or Siskins, try Nyjer seeds as they both seem to love them. Nyjer seed is also popular with Greenfinches and Redpolls.
House Sparrows, Dunnocks and Collared Doves prefer to feed on the ground and will be attracted by small seeds.
Suet balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent high energy giving foods for winter and popular with a wide range of birds.
Mealworms are especially popular with Robins and Blue Tits and may attract other insect-eating birds such as Pied Wagtails.
Be sure to look for good quality bird food – those that don't include 'fillers' such as dried peas and beans, red dari and wholewheat that birds rarely eat.
You can also put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.
Bird feeders should be cleaner regularly and any old food removed and replaced with fresh
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Where should you put bird feeders?
You can set up your bird feeder in various locations, but try to choose a spot that is quiet and in a place where birds won't feel disturbed. Also, aim for somewhere away from bushes where predators might be lurking, yet close enough to cover for birds to quickly escape, as birds prefer to have a clear view around them while they eat.
Also, try to keep feeders in sheltered areas away from strong winds. However, no matter where you decide to hang your feeder, ensure that you can see it from indoors to enjoy watching the birds. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the birds to become accustomed to a new feeder, so don't feel discouraged if you don't see many birds at the beginning.
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Beans, lentils and pulses are also important, as are whole grains like oats, brown rice, corn, fish and seafood, poultry, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado. 'When building your plate, focus on colour. Variety in colour leads to more micronutrients which is ideal for gut healing,' Stephanie says. 'And if you notice a clear link between a certain food and increased gut symptoms like bloating, remove the suspect ingredient and notice how your gut responds.' Along with showing your gut some TLC, there are some additional must-dos that could help your battle hay fever terror. 1. Pop a quercetin pill 7 Taking a quercetin supplement or increasing your intake of foods high in the antioxidant might help ease symptoms Credit: Getty IF you're looking for a natural route to beat an intense hay fever assault, taking an antioxidant supplement could help to beat long-term stuffiness - but not just any old antioxidant will do. For maximum benefit, try quercetin, which is packed with naturally occurring plant compounds called polyphenols. It is thought to be particularly effective in a 500mg to 1,000mg daily dose. You can couple quercetin with over-the-counter hay fever meds or use it in place of them. 'Quercetin supplementation has been thought to manage the histamine response, which is a main contributor to allergic reactions,' Stephanie says. It can take a few weeks before you start to see results so the earlier you take quercetin the better. Quercetin is also found in onion, asparagus, berries, apples and green tea - so it could be worth increasing your intake of these too! 2. Rinse away the day 7 Washing your clothes, hair and body frequently can remove traces of pollen Credit: Getty IF you commute to work and back, the single best thing you can do when you get home is to fling your clothes in the laundry basket and take a shower. 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Supporting your gut health does not need to be complicated. 'Including more fermented foods for seven to 14 days, alongside 30 different plants, could significantly improve the abundance of healthy bacteria in your gut. 'Plant foods include everything from fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, legumes, grains, teas and spices – so there is a lot to choose from. 'Fibre is also crucial - we should all be aiming for 30g a day - as it promotes a healthy microbiome, and helps to keep us fuller for longer and support balanced blood sugar.' She adds: 'Be sure to go outdoors and get some fresh air. Sunlight can influence gut health and help improve your mood and energy levels. 'But also prioritise getting seven to nine hours of sleep, which is important to help maintain gut health, plus a lack of sleep makes us crave more sugar and feel too tired to cook.' 3. Create a barrier 7 Smear a little coconut oil or Vaseline on your lips and around your nostrils to create a barrier Credit: Getty IT might sound obvious, but there are some common sense steps that can dramatically reduce stuffiness and swollen eyes. Firstly, wear a hat to help shield your hair and face, and pop on a pair of wraparound sunglasses as soon as you head out the door. This will help prevent pollen from getting close to your eyes and will deter you from rubbing them. Another quick but effective tip is to smear a little coconut oil or Vaseline on your lips and around your nostrils to create a barrier of entry for pollen. 4. Plan ahead 7 Check the pollen forecasts on the Met Office website Credit: MET Office CHECKING the pollen count is a vital step to keep hay fever in check. The Met Office website displays a real-time five-day forecast for each region of the UK, with an easy-to-understand traffic light system ranging from 'low' to 'very high' so that you can plan ahead. The app is available on iOS and Android devices. 5. Eat 30 plants per week 7 Aim to eat 30 different plants every week Credit: Getty STUDIES show that a diverse diet results in a lower risk of hay fever symptoms. Yet approximately two thirds of all UK adults still don't manage to eat the bare minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Health experts now recommend aiming for 30 different plant-based foods per week to truly optimise wellbeing. The good news is, this isn't limited to fruit and veg; it also includes herbs, spices, nuts and seeds. 'I suggest including key anti-inflammatory microbiome supporting foods such as garlic, turmeric, and apples to help support the body's immune response,' Stephanie says. 'Limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol and highly processed foods as they can compromise the microbiome and impact immune health.' 6. Do a spring clean 7 Keeping your house clean can help minimise allergens Credit: Getty A DEEP clean isn't just cathartic; it could also help to ease hay fever symptoms - so don't let those chores build up! Vacuuming behind the sofa, under rugs, and in hard-to-reach corners along with changing your bedding weekly can help to minimise allergens in the house. Keeping the windows and doors closed during peak pollen hours, as well as investing in an air filter, can also help to keep your home pollen-free.
